Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Marshall Islands
This guide explains what happens after a death in Marshall Islands, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home to the UK. The information comes from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you need someone to guide you through it, our team is available any time.
Typical timeline
Typical cost
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
What to Do When Someone Dies in Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands is 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands spread across nearly 2 million km² of Pacific Ocean. Most of that is water. Where your family member died matters enormously for what happens next.
Step 1 — Contact the FCDO Immediately
Call 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). FCDO will contact the British Embassy Manila, which handles non-resident consular responsibility for RMI. British Embassy Manila: 120 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Taguig City, Metro Manila (+63 2 8858 2200).
Step 2 — Establish Exactly Which Atoll
The first question your specialist firm will ask is: which atoll? Majuro is accessible by international air. Most other atolls are accessible only by boat or charter light aircraft, and in some cases only on scheduled inter-atoll services that run weekly or less frequently.
Do not try to move the body before this question is answered and transport confirmed.
Step 3 — Appoint a UK Repatriation Specialist
This is one of the most demanding repatriation cases a specialist firm handles. You need a firm with Pacific experience, existing contacts on Majuro, and — if death is on an outer atoll — contacts with inter-atoll transport providers.
Step 4 — Documentation
The RMI Vital Statistics Office issues the death certificate. The RMI Police Department handles non-natural deaths. All documentation is in English.
Step 5 — Routing to the UK
All routing goes through Amata Kabua International Airport (MAJ), Majuro, then via Honolulu to UK connections. United Airlines is the main carrier. Cargo space is limited.
Kwajalein Special Circumstances
Deaths at or near Kwajalein Atoll (US Army Garrison) are handled under different protocols. FCDO and the US military must both be contacted. Your specialist firm must be informed of this immediately.
Realistic Timeline
Expect 21–56 days. Deaths on Majuro itself are at the lower end. Deaths on outer atolls add significantly to the timeline.
For full country detail, see the Marshall Islands repatriation guide. For general process overview, read what happens when someone dies abroad.
Source: FCDO Travel Advice — Marshall Islands (updated 2024). British Embassy Manila consular services. RMI Vital Statistics Office procedural guidance.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the British Embassy or consulate
FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. They may cover the full cost of repatriation, which can be .
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
How much does it cost?
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WhatsApp us nowReviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions